A public inquest into the death of Ray Bitternose, who was shot dead by police on the George Gordon First Nation (GGFN) during an altercation in 2021, began Monday in Regina.
Coroner Blaine Beaven will preside at the inquest, which is being held at the Royal Hotel, 4025 Albert St.
According to previous reports, the Saskatchewan RCMP stated that officers from the Punnichy detachment went to the GGFN on the afternoon of July 6, 2021, after someone reported that a man with a rifle was making threats in the community.
“Shortly after officers arrived, Bitternose, 42, was shot in an altercation with police,” the province said in an earlier release. “Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were called and the officers on scene applied first aid. EMS and STARS Air Ambulance attended and continued lifesaving efforts. However, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.”
The first witness called to the stand was Bitternose’s father, Steven Geddens, who said the inquest is bringing back difficult memories.
“I went into shock … I’m still hurt,” he said. “I still cry every once (in) a while.”
Geddens talked about how his son had dealt with schizophrenia since he was four years old. Geddens said Bitternose was on medication for years to treat his schizophrenia diagnosis, but he had eventually stopped taking it in the year leading up to his death.
Gedden had called the RCMP multiple times to get help for his son after seeing signs of suicidal behaviour during the course of the year, but said that no one ever came to the home.
Section 19 of The Coroners Act, 1999 states that the chief coroner may direct that an inquest be held into the death of any person.
Global News will provide updated information as it becomes available.
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